tire pressure

[trailertrawlerkismet]

With our trailer tires inflated to their proper 80lbs, the GMC set at 65 in the front and 70 for the rear tires we depart northern Michigan for a trip south. The temperature in Michigan when we left was 40*. As we drove the truck tires increase to 69lbs. for the front and 75lbs for the rear so the trailer tires would have gone up an equal amount and this is normal as the tires get warmer and the outside temperature does as well. I never bother to adjust the tire air pressure in route as long as the pressure has not gone down, I evaluate them the next morning when the tires are cold again. Is this normal? What do others do regarding their truck and or trailer tires as they trailer long distances?

Jim

 

[pleeson]

Tire pressure specs are for cold readings. Admittedly, those might have to be adjusted slightly when taking a winter trip from Alaska to Florida but rest easy, a pound or two in each of the tires between home and destination because of ambient temperature change, will not a problem make. Have fun, be happy. Wish I was there!

 

[Irish Mist]

I am the same it increases as it heats up but all seems to level out in the end to 80 lbs for me trailer and rear truck
Don't use up all the sunshine will be down in a few weeks 🙂

 

[knotflying]

Jim,
I use the same protocol as you.

 

[Crewdog]

I check truck, trailer and car tires cold in the morning.

I did a little searching, and here's a good primer on temp / pressure relationship:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=73

and for the folks who get to higher altitudes, here's a good read on the pressure/altitude relationship:
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=167&affiliate=HM5&s_kwcid=AL!3756!3!55250840053!b!!g!!_cat:tires&ef_id=VBBoMQAAAA7IpBfm:20141013142213:s

It's interesting reading, but on our Atlanta - Anacortes round trip last summer, I didn't bother to adjust for altitude, just slowed down for the 6% grades!

 

[Levitation]

Yup. Set the pressure cold. It will rise when moving and that is planned for by the manufacturer.
Better a couple pounds high in the heat of the day than a couple pounds low.
Trailer tires over heat rapidly when the sidewall flex increases with under inflation.

Btw, your front tire pressure, What does it call for on the drivers door sticker?
I'm thinking mine is a few pounds lower.

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

Denny....on my GMC 2500 the door plate calls for 65lbs for the front tires and 70 for the rear.

Jim

 

[knotflying]

My Chevy 3500 is 65 front 80 rear.

 

[Levitation]

Too many numbers in my head.
Mine is the same as yours (now that I look) For a senior moment I was thinking it called for 62 on the fronts.
Playing with tires the past few days on the grain wagons and after servicing and rotating 24 tires I am really tired (oh wait, was that a pun)
I have to go now, there is a cute little nurse in my room who says it is time for more drugs as I seem confused :mrgreen:



I'm installing new tires on the boat trailer. After lifting the port side and pulling the wheels for changing out the tires I noticed that the brake rotors are heavily rusted (sigh)
So I pulled the calipers off (stainless and shiny) and used a green scotch pad on the rotors and broke the glaze on the face of the pads, put fresh lube on the slide bolts, inspected everything and reassembled.
I was told by an experienced trailer mechanic that the brakes would be rusted hulks by the third year and I would have to replace everything. Being cheeep - I mean thrifty - I have been careful to flush the trailer immediately after having it in salt water so it seems I will get a bit more time.
That and having Airtight Hubs on the trailer that I am loath to break the seals on to change the rotors, so I will hold off as long as possible.
http://www.airtighthubs.com/
But I can see stainless rotors in my future.